Vantage to Pomona FEIS Index 34 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-209 linear I-82 corridor and road networks and bivouac area of JBLM YTC that deviates from the natural landscape. Natural landscapes are Scenic Quality Class C along this route segment. The visual sensitivity associated with Route Segment NNR-4 is associated primarily with I-82 corridor travelers who would have perpendicular views of the route segment as it crosses the highway. Visual sensitivity is moderate and viewing duration would be fairly brief. On the east end of the route segment, high sensitivity residences of Badger Pocket would have views of the route segment in the immediate foreground and foreground and local road travelers would potentially view the route segment in the middleground and background. The route segment parallels the existing Pacific Power Pomona-Wanapum 230 kV transmission line and would be viewed within the developed context of the highway corridor and existing transmission line. The existing structure, road network, and bivouac area does not substantially influence the viewing context from the highway due to low angle of view, topography, and intervening vegetation that screens these developed features in the landscape. 3.8.4.14 Route Segment NNR-5 Route Segment NNR-5 is a short route segment that is located on JBLM YTC on the southern boundary with Badger Pocket. The landscape character in the vicinity of this route segment is expressed as an interface between the largely undeveloped, rolling, sagebrush dominated landscape of the army base and the rural, agricultural landscape of Badger Pocket. Natural landscapes are Scenic Quality Class C. Visual sensitivity associated with this route segment is associated with residences and local roads in the Badger Pocket area. Potential views would be in the middleground and background. The route segment deviates from Pacific Power’s existing Pomona-Wanapum 230 kV transmission line as it follows the JBLM YTC boundary, but is within the visual influence of the existing transmission line and road network of JBLM YTC. The route segment would be viewed by sensitive viewers behind the existing transmission line. 3.8.4.15 Route Segment NNR-6 This route segment parallels the Pacific Power Pomona-Wanapum 230 kV transmission line its entire length and crosses uniformly sloped and more extreme and variable sagebrush dominated steppe mountainous landscapes with a Scenic Quality Class C. The developed character is limited to the vertical linear features of the existing transmission line and the winding JBLM YTC road network. Steep drainages within the Saddle Mountains that have eroded cliffs and ribbons of more variable vegetation that deviates from the dominant sagebrush commonly occur along this route segment. Sensitivity along this route segment is related primarily with landscape scenery, not with sensitive viewers. The nearest high sensitivity viewers are located in the Badger Pocket area on the route segment’s west end, who would view the route segment in the middleground and background. On the east end of the route segment, the John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Iron Horse Trail) is located adjacent to the Wind Ridge- Wanapum 230 kV transmission line and would potentially view the route segment in the middleground. The existing Pomona-Wanapum and Wind Ridge-Wanapum 230 kV transmission lines are the primary influences on the visual context within the Project study area along this route segment. 3.8.4.16 Route Segment NNR-7 This route segment also parallels existing transmission lines along its entire length. The natural landscape character of this route segment is similar to Route Segment NNR-6, with uniformly sloped and more extreme and variable sagebrush dominated steppe mountainous landscapes with a Scenic Quality Class C.